McKechnie Institute

Opening times

The McKechnie Institute opened in 1889 thanks to the benevolence of a local businessman,
Thomas McKechnie. Its architectural style is Scottish Baronial with some Renaissance
detailing. The Architects of the Institute were McKissack & Rowan of Glasgow,
who were also responsible for the design of Girvan Parish Church. The ground floor
originally contained a Library, Reading Room and Ladies Room. On the first floor
was a billiards room and beyond that the Librarians House. A contemporary report
states 'Every evening the places are all but crowded with labouring men, fishermen,
tradesmen and others…'

The McKechnie Institute is still an extremely popular community venue to this day.
There are most often displays of items from the McKechnie Institute collection,
in conjunction with a programme of temporary exhibitions in the downstairs and upstairs
galleries. In addition to this, the McKechnie is the venue for many local group
meetings, Councillor surgeries, art classes and much more.

If you have any enquiries about the Institute's collection or if you would be interested in having an
exhibition in the McKechnie Institute or any workshop programmes please contact the Council's
Museums & Galleries Officer in the first instance. All requests for exhibition space are forwarded
and decided upon by the Programming committee.